Pinna Piercing: Jewellery, FAQs & Guide

A pinna piercing, otherwise known as a helix piercing, is found at the top on the rim of the ear. The pinna ear piercing is the less commonly used name for this type of piercing. If you would like to know more about pinna piercing then check out our list of FAQs to find all the information you need.

What is a pinna piercing?

The pinna piercing is placed in a similar position to the helix, through the cartilage in the upper rim of the ear. You can place the piercing anywhere along the upper ridge and can even have multiple pinna piercings clustered together. Some people have second, third, or even fourth pinna or helix piercings.

Alternatively, you can get a forward pinna piercing which is placed on the opposite side of the arch of your ear, near your head. This small piercing tends to require daintier jewellery and can be more comfortable with micro jewellery.

How long does it take to heal a pinna piercing?

Pinna piercing healing time can take anything between 3-9 months to completely heal. In order to ease the healing process, it is very important to keep the pierced area clean and free from pressure. Cleaning the pierced area frequently with a warm saltwater solution can ensure the area remains infection-free.

How much does a pinna piercing hurt?

A pinna piercing will hurt a similar amount to other cartilage piercings. Most people say you only need low to medium pain tolerance to have this piercing. The amount it can hurt will vary for each person but based on an average scoring, it is usually described as a 3 or 4 out of 10 on the pain scale. It may initially be painful but if you experience prolonged pain or unexpected extreme pain then you should consult a doctor or your piercer.

How much does a pinna piercing cost?

A helix or pinna piercing usually costs £30 - £35. The price will depend on the type of jewellery you choose. Prices of piercings usually reflect the level of experience your piercer will need in order to carry out your piercing.

What is the difference between a pinna and helix piercing?

When it comes to a pinna piercing vs helix there isn’t a difference. It is a different name for the same piercing. As the pinna piercing is done on the upper part of the ear helix, its procedure is very similar to other ear and cartilage piercings and a very common position for cartilage piercings

Need more information? Check out our Piercing Guides to find the answers to your piercing questions. Already a piercing expert? Why not skip straight to pinna piercing jewellery to customise your ear piercings.

Pinna Piercing Procedure

Decided on getting your pinna piercing? Use our store locator to find your local Blue Banana Studio. There’s no need to book an appointment; you can simply go to the store of your choice and be pierced on the day.

Please ensure that you have checked the ear piercing age restriction before coming to store. In a Blue Banana studio, the pinna piercing age restriction is 16 (ID may be required) or 13 with parental consent from a parent or guardian who is present.

Once you’re all booked in, you will have some forms to fill out. A member of Blue Banana staff will go through the steps and can help you pick out jewellery. Then the piercer will give you a quick consultation and briefing before discussing the piercing location.

The pinna piercing typically involves a sterilised gauge needle which your piercer will pass through the cartilage, inserting the jewellery in the process. The piercing site is cleaned thoroughly and marked with a pen first so you can check that you are happy with the location.

Pinna Piercing Aftercare Advice

The pinna piercing typically takes 3-9 months to fully heal due to it being a cartilage piercing.

During the healing process, there are some activities you will want to avoid such as sleeping on your new piercing and swimming. Knocking or putting pressure on a cartilage piercing can cause the angle to change and the healing process to take longer so be sure to take extra care not to catch your new piercing jewellery and to keep up with your aftercare.

Clean your pinna piercing twice a day with salt water solution or Tea Tree Oil by gently bathing it using cotton wool.

While it is important to ensure your general ear hygiene is first rate, it is also advisable to avoid using soap on your new piercing so be sure to take extra care while washing your ears and removing ear wax.

If you would like further information, make sure to read our full Piercing Aftercare Guides to learn about side effects to look out for.

Choosing Pinna Piercing Jewellery

There’s plenty of options when it comes to pinna piercing jewellery from Blue Banana. Some popular styles include:

Pinna Piercing BCR
Pinna Piercing Labret
Pinna Piercing Barbell

Like most cartilage piercings, your pinna piercing will most likely be pierced with a labret or straight barbell as this reduces the risk of the jewellery catching during the healing process. It is vital for the healing process that you remain patient and don’t change your jewellery until your piercer has advised you to do so.

When choosing your piercing jewellery there are a few things you should consider:

Jewellery Size – everyone’s ears are different sizes, so make sure to pick jewellery that sits just right in your ear. If you are wearing a ring in your ear you will want to make sure it fits snugly. Make sure you also find out what gauge (thickness of jewellery) you have been pierced with.
Jewellery Material – piercing materials differ not only through their look but also how they could react to your skin. Titanium jewellery is a popular choice due to the hypoallergenic and non-corrosive qualities.

We generally recommend that for new piercings you choose jewellery with a wider diameter or length. This can allow for extra room in case of any swelling. Make sure to check out the tips from our piercing guides for information about changing and removing piercing jewellery.

Other Guides & Ranges

Please Note: Blue Banana piercing information is based on knowledge from our experiences as one of the UK's top piercing studios. All details provided should be read alongside professional advice. Please see our full Piercing Articles Disclaimer, here.